The Eight Best Bagels in NYC According to the City's Bagel Ambassador

New York City is synonymous with bagels, each shop boasting its unique take on this iconic bread. From the traditional hand-rolled and boiled varieties to innovative flavors and toppings, the city's options are endless. Recently, New York's self-appointed Bagel Ambassador, a local culinary expert devoted to promoting NYC's bagel culture, has named the top eight must-visit bagel shops across the boroughs. Here's a detailed guide to these esteemed establishments and what makes them stand out.

Absolute Bagels on the Upper West Side is a perennial favorite. Known for its classic New York-style bagels, Absolute offers a perfect chewy texture with a slightly crispy crust. Their bagel, paired with plain cream cheese, is a quintessential New York breakfast.

Bagel Hole in Park Slope, Brooklyn, presents what many consider the most authentic New York bagel experience. These bagels are smaller, denser, and chewier than most, staying true to the original bagel recipe that immigrants brought over a century ago.

Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown East is famous for its massive, fluffy bagels that maintain a crisp exterior. The variety of spreads and fillings, from scallion cream cheese to nova lox, makes every visit a new adventure.

Tompkins Square Bagels in the East Village takes a creative approach to bagels, with offerings like the French toast bagel and birthday cake cream cheese. Despite their innovation, they still respect the craft of traditional bagel making.

H&H Midtown Bagels East on the Upper East Side is another stalwart of the NYC bagel scene. They serve a consistently excellent product, known for its ideal balance of softness and chew. The sandwiches here are legendary.

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company, with multiple locations, has gained a following for its artisanal approach. Their kettle-boiled bagels come in a variety of interesting flavors, including jalapeño asiago and whole wheat everything.

Shelsky’s of Brooklyn offers a modern twist on the classic Brooklyn bagel. They specialize in combining traditional Jewish deli flavors with contemporary sensibilities, such as horseradish cream cheese and pastrami smoked salmon.

Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys on the Lower East Side, while famous for its bialys, also makes outstanding bagels. Established in 1936, this shop has perfected its recipe over decades, offering some of the best traditional bagels in the city.

These establishments, selected by the Bagel Ambassador, reflect the rich diversity of New York’s bagel scene. Each shop has its own method and secret recipes that contribute to the distinct qualities of bagels, from boiling in honey-sweetened water to using only high-gluten flour for that perfect texture. Whether you prefer your bagel with a simple schmear of cream cheese or loaded with toppings, these shops deliver the finest bagels in NYC.

Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to explore these top picks to truly understand why New York City is the undisputed capital of bagel culture. The recommendations from the Bagel Ambassador are not just about great taste but also about celebrating the history and tradition embedded in this beloved New York staple. So grab your metro card and start your tour across the city – a delicious journey awaits!